The 7.9 magnitude earthquake on 25 April, and nearly 60 aftershocks, caused devastation across much of the country.

The Nepalese government has warned the final death toll could double to 10,000. UNICEF is currently organising staff and emergency supplies to meet the urgent needs of children affected by the earthquake. It is concentrating on water and sanitation, nutrition, education and child protection. It is also transporting water and providing oral rehydration salts and zinc supplements to people gathered in informal settlements, Those in the area have reported dwindling supplies of water and food, power outages, and downed communication networks.

Hundreds of thousands of people have spent nights sleeping in open areas, out of fear of more tremors. Heavy rain has also been reported which has further worsened conditions. The crisis leaves children particularly vulnerable - limited access to safe water and sanitation will put children at great risk from waterborne diseases, while some children may have become separated from their families.